Upcoming Departures

The Explorer Pass

Make the most of your winter in Central Alberta with the Explorer Pass. Get out on guided adventures snowshoeing under the stars, hiking to frozen waterfalls and ice walking on ice bubbles. Enjoy some free marshmallows, savings on private tours and activities, local food at the cafe and more. Don’t wait, get your pass now and start exploring. Find out more >

Summer Tours

Summer Tours are available on your schedule, just for yourself or your small group. Pick an adventure below to start planning. Looking to join an upcoming tour instead? Check out The Explorer Series to see what’s coming up.

Winter Tours

Winter Tours are available on your schedule, just for yourself or your small group. Pick an adventure below to start planning. Looking to join an upcoming tour instead? Check out The Explorer Series to see what’s coming up.

Red Deer’s Ski Bus

There’s no easier way to get to the mountains! Kick back and relax as we drive from Red Deer to your favourite resort. Head out for a great day on the slopes. Enjoy a hot chocolate at the bus before letting us take care of the drive home. Find out more >

Upcoming Departures

The Ski Pass

Make the most of your winter with the Ski Pass. Get out on Red Deer’s Ski Bus with 2 free rides, $10 off all winter long and some great deals on guided adventures snowshoeing under the stars, hiking to frozen waterfalls and ice walking on ice bubbles. Don’t wait, get your pass now and start exploring. Find out more >

The classic summer float on the Red Deer River, making your way down the river through the city and taking in the sights from a different perspective. This is a gentle river float on a full size raft. Sit back and relax, listen to your guide sharing stories about the river while spending an hour on the water.

This tour includes a river float on a raft, shuttles from the Basecamp + Cafe to the river, pfd and guide.

Highlights

Enjoy a leisurely float down the Red Deer River.

Good opportunities to see wildlife along the river.

Learn about the natural and human history of the area.

Perfect for: Anybody looking for a fun afternoon playing outside.

This day trip is open to all ability levels, whether you are a beginner and or an expert. No paddling or swimming experience required. This tour is open to those 4 or older.

This tour is owned and operated by Pursuit Adventures.

Tour Overview

Activity: River Float - Raft

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 3 hours (1+ hours on water)

Departure: Red Deer

Your Adventure

Departure Time

Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1:45 pm

Return Time

This tour is approximately 3 hours (1+ hours on the river), depending on the flow of the river.

2018 Rates

Save 15% on this tour with an Explorer Pass! Season passes are only $125, include 1 free tour and discounts all summer long. Buy one now >

The Experience

Fort Normandeau to Kiwanis Park

The 11am tour starts at Fort Normandeau, the historic Red Deer Crossing on the Calgary and Edmonton Trail.

The gentle float takes us into the city, along the lower grounds of Heritage Ranch and Maskepetoon Park where we see the occasional moose or deer along the shore before reaching our destination at Kiwanis Park near Bower Ponds.

Kiwanis Park to McKenzie Trails

The 1:45pm tour starts at the Kiwanis Park, taking us through the city as we make our way toward McKenzie Trails.

The relaxing float passes landmarks like the CPR Pedestrian Bridge and gives a different perspective on Waskasoo Park which lines most of the river throughout the city.

What to Bring?

Required Items

Recommended Items

Camera - you're welcome to bring along on the raft but you are responsible for any lost or damaged item.

What's Included?

Coast Guard approved PFD. You must be able and willing to wear a PFD at all times when on the raft. Guests who are not willing or able to wear a PFD will not be allowed on the raft.

A professional guide.

Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and cell phone or satellite communicators on all tours.

What's Not Included

Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.

Water bottles, camera and drysacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get wet?

In most cases, no but here's a few times when you might experience a splash or two... We use self-bailing rafts which allow water to drain out of the boats without having to use a bucket. Some water can splash through the holes as we float down the river and that's why we recommend you wear shoes you don't mind getting some water on. The other reason you might get a little damp is rain. We run our tours rain or shine and every once in a while a quick rain storm can pass through and surprise us. We recommend that you bring a rain jacket with you but we have a few rain ponchos available on the raft in case you need one.

Do I have to paddle?

For the most part, no. Our guide does most of the work so that you get to sit back and relax. We will need a couple of volunteers to paddle as we get on the river and occasionally throughout the tour.

Can I bring my camera or phone?

You're welcome to bring your camera or phone along. The Red Deer River through the city is a very gentle river but keep in mind that we will be on water, floating down a river and there are obvious risks of your camera or phone being dropped overboard or getting wet. You're welcome to use one of the dry sacks on board to store your camera or phone but please understand that we cannot be held responsible for any damages to your equipment.

What's the group size?

The standard group size is 1 guide and 8 guests per raft for Explorer Series tours and up to 10 guests for private tours. This tour is open to guests as young as 4 years old (must weight a minimum of 14 kg / 30 lbs).

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. Cancellations within 72 hours, including no-shows, will forfeit the tour fees. Tours in The Explorer Series usually require a minimum of 4 guests to run. In the event of low bookings we will contact you the day before the tour to cancel. You'll have the option of a full refund or a credit for a future booking.

Book Now

A Few More Things To Know

We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. Make sure to dress in layers and come prepared for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. You’ll be amazed at how warm we get snowshoeing at -20C or how much fun hiking in the rain can be! Need help with your booking or have a few more questions? Stop by our Basecamp + Cafe or give us a call at 403 986-6190.